WO2007068136A2

WO2007068136A2 - Switching element for actuating an adjustable parameter

Info

Publication number: WO2007068136A2
Application number: PCT/CH2006/000698
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bruno Gabathuler; Andi Vonlanthen
Original assignee: Phonak Ag
Priority date: 2006-12-13
Filing date: 2006-12-13
Publication date: 2007-06-21
Also published as: US20100032267A1; WO2007068136A3; EP2095384A2; DK2095384T3; US8031044B2; EP2095384B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a switching element (1) for actuating an adjustable parameter on an electronic microdevice, such as a hearing aid. Said switching element (1) is characterized by a rotary element (7) that encompasses three contact points (9) at least peripherally, said contact points being interconnected in an electrically conducting manner. The inventive switching element further comprises a resiliently mounted restoring element that is joined to the rotary element, as well as at least two electrical conductor contacts (3, 5) which can be switched into electrically conducting contact by rotating the rotary element via the contact points.

Description

Switching element for actuating an adjustment

The present invention relates to a switching element according to the preamble of claim 1, a hearing aid with a switching element and a method for operating the switching element.

Today, in so-called in-the-ear hearing aids digital potentiometers are used, which by turning a prominent button in Uhrzeiger- resp. Counterclockwise with the finger are actuated. For example, these knobs are used for volume control, for the regulation of height / depth, etc. By the rotational movement of a mechanical impulse-shaped on / off operations are effected. These pulses can then be evaluated by the electronics, and make the device, for example, quieter or louder.

Is disadvantageous in this type of

Volume control felt the repeated rotational movement of the finger in the auricle. In addition, these finger movements in the ear as a sound via microphone,

Amplifier and Reciver transferred to the eardrum. These noises make the volume adjustment much more difficult.

The problem is therefore to find a solution to accommodate the components described in a confined space. In the prior art, a number of solutions are described, as for example in EP 0 311 233, where on the battery cover of a hearing aid two above Contact wires are attached to operate the volume control. The distance between these two contact wires is very small, so that false manipulations are very likely.

In EP 1 574 770 equivalent to US 2005/0178644 a rotary switch is described, comprising a contact spring, which is driven by means of a rotary knob from or to two supplied contact parts. The structure is very complicated and complicated and especially for hearing aids, where in the smallest space such a volume control is to accommodate, very unsuitable.

US 5 818 324 in turn describes a rotary knob for actuating a coil-like spring blade, wherein the individual coil turns are folded, and wherein the coil is brought into contact with a sliding zone by means of turning or pressing the rotary knob against the spring blade. DE 44 21 812 finally describes a rotary knob for the potentiometer, by means of which a wiper spring is moved along a contact path.

The object of the present invention is to provide a switching element, by means of which in the smallest space and for electronic micro devices

Actuating variables, such as volume, can be set or regulated. To realize the task, the possibility of function recognition via resistors was used by the electronics. As a result, connections on the hybrid are reduced to two conductors and the programming contacts that are available anyway can be used for contacting and

Signal transmission can be used. The invention proposed on this basis switching element is characterized by the wording of claim 1.

A switching element for actuating an adjustment variable on an electronic micro device, such as a hearing aid, for example, which has a rotary element having at least a three-star-shaped limb, is proposed, wherein the limbs are designed to be electrically conductive and are conductively connected to one another. Further provided is a connected to the rotary member, spring-mounted return element and at least two electrical conductor contacts, which are switchable by rotating the rotary member in mutually conductive contact. As already mentioned above, the function recognition via resistors, which is further proposed to connect at least one of the contacts with a resistive element, such that when connecting the two contacts by rotating the rotary member, the electrical contact is guided via the resistance element.

In order to detect functionally at least two switching operations, it is proposed to arrange at least two resistance elements, one each connected to one of the two conductor contacts, in such a way that by means of Rotary movement of the rotary element, the two conductor contacts in two different positions are interconnected. Namely in the one position so that the conductive connection is guided over the one resistance element, and in the other position on the other or second resistance element.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the restoring element is mounted so resiliently that the rotary member is stored at Nichtbetätigen in a position not connecting the conductor contacts. The restoring element can be, for example, a rocker-like element, which is mounted so resiliently that it positions the rotary element in its rest position or middle position in the two conductor contacts not electrically connecting position.

Again, according to a further embodiment, it is possible that the turnstile is resiliently mounted in the axial direction, such that in the spring direction depressed position counteracts the rotary member during rotational movement, a higher mechanical resistance than in unloaded suspension.

The two conductor contacts can also be connected to a menu circuit, by means of which the adjustment quantities to be operated can be determined, as in the case of a hearing aid the volume, height / depth balance, etc.

Again, according to a further embodiment variant, it is possible to arrange the switching element proposed according to the invention in the region of a battery compartment, with which the both conductor contacts can be fed directly from the battery.

As already mentioned above, the switching element according to the invention is particularly suitable for the regulation of setting variables in hearing aids, in particular in-the-ear hearing aids.

The invention will now be explained in more detail by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 a - 1 c show, in perspective, the rotary element of the switching element according to the invention in the rest position, in the first switching position and second switching position,

Fig. 2a u. 2b in perspective from above the restoring element in the "rest position" and the rotary element in the corresponding "rest position",

Fig. 3a u. 3b in perspective from above the restoring element in the one switching position and connected thereto the rotary element in the corresponding switching position,

4 shows in section the axial bearing of the rotary element,

Fig. 5 shows a switching element according to the invention, provided to be arranged on a battery cover housing, and

Fig. 6, the composite cover of a battery case. Figures Ia to Ic show the inventive switching element 1 in perspective from above in the three provided switching positions.

Figure Ia shows the switching element in so-called "rest position", in which no switching operation is triggered. The switching element comprises the two conductor contacts 3 and 5, which are each connected at their ends with a resistive element 13 and 15 respectively. Provided for the electrically conductive connection of the two conductor contacts 3 and 5 is a rotary element or turnstile 7, comprising three star-shaped legs 9, which are electrically conductive and also conductively connected to each other. In the position of the rotary elements 7 according to FIG. 1a, the two conductor contacts 3 and 5 are not connected to one another in an electrically conductive manner.

According to FIG. 1b, the turnstile 7 is turned clockwise to the right, with which the star-shaped limbs make contact between the two conductor contacts 3 and 5, which is guided via the resistance element 15. Due to the size of the resistance element, it can now be recognized which function or which manipulated variable is to be changed or adjusted by means of the switching element 1.

According to Figure Ic, the turnstile 7 is rotated counterclockwise to the left, thus by means of the star-shaped

Leg 9 in turn, an electrical contact between the two conductor contacts 3 and 5 is made, in this case, however, guided over the resistor element 13. Since this resistor element 13 another resistor can now be recognized as the Widerstandselerαent 15, which function is to be triggered by means of the switching element and which manipulated variable is to be changed. Specifically, this means that, for example, according to the position in FIG

Resistance element 15 is increased, while according to position in Figure Ic and detection of the resistive element 13, the volume is lowered.

FIGS. 2 a and 2 b again show perspectively in perspective and partly in covered condition how the rotary element 7 or the star-shaped legs 9 are connected to a return element 21. In Figure 2a, the rocker-like return element 21 is disposed below the rotary member 7, which rocker 21 is each mounted end-to-end on the two legs by means of the two spring resistors 23 and 25. The two spring resistors 23 and 25 are mounted in passages which are designated 10 and 12 in FIG. 1a, and which, of course, are correspondingly closed at the front. In the position according to Figure 2a is the rest position, i. the two springs 23 and 25 are in so-called equilibrium. FIG. 2b shows the rotary element covered by a rotary knob 31, wherein now only the star-shaped legs 9 are partially recognizable. It is clearly visible that the

Rotary element in rest position, analog Ia is located.

FIGS. 3a and 3b show a switching position, again in perspective from above, the views being analogous to those of the two FIGS. 2a and 2b. In 3a, the rocker-like return element 21 can be seen in the tilted position, with the spring 25 compressed and the spring 23 relieved. This is possible by turning the rotary knob 31, as shown in Figure 3b. In this position are now the two

Conductor contacts 3 and 5 are conductively connected to each other via the resistance element 13. In other words, this position corresponds to that shown in FIG. 1c.

It goes without saying that the operation of such a knob even at extremely small

Dimensioning by means of a finger is easily possible, since no fine adjustment or operation of a wheel-like rotary part, for example, is necessary. In addition, it is possible to provide the rotary knob 31 with additionally upwardly projecting nubs or ribs, so that turning by means of a finger is further simplified.

The user of a hearing aid can now increase or decrease by turning the rotary knob 31 of the inventive switching element 1 in a simple manner, for example, the volume.

Figure 4 shows in section a detail of the knob of the inventive switching element 1, wherein it is clearly seen that the central rotary member is spring-loaded in the axial direction. By pressing with a finger in the direction of arrow Fl what is possible through the existing gap 32 is formed when turning an increased mechanical resistance, so that incorrect manipulation are largely impossible. When relieving the axial suspension, however, eliminates the mechanical - S -

Resistance, so that due to the counterforce F2 of the contact spring 22 is an independent provision of the knob or the rocker 21 by means of the two springs 23 and 25 (not shown in Figure 4) in the zero position.

It should be shown with reference to the two FIGS. 5 and 6 how a switching element 1 proposed according to the invention can usefully be arranged in an electronic micro device such as a hearing aid. The arrangement is preferably in the region of a battery compartment or integrated into a cover 41 for the closure of a battery compartment. This cover 41 may be such that an inventive switching element 1 in the housing in recesses 32, 34 and 38 by means of terminals 33 and 35 and cam 36 can be inserted or click-arranged. On the back, the two ports 33 and 35 protrude from the cover.

FIG. 6 shows the switching element 1 in the state inserted in the housing 41. Further, it is possible to provide an additional opening 43 in the battery compartment cover 41, for example for actuating a menu circuit which is connected to the two contact terminals 33 and 35. By means of this menu circuit can be selectively selected between different control variables, which are set or to be operated with the inventive switching element. Again, in the case of a hearing aid this may be the volume control, the control height / depth, the control influence or suppress by ambient heat, etc. The switching element illustrated with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6, such as a potentiometer, is, of course, only one embodiment, which serves only for a better understanding of the present invention.

Of course, it is possible to form the rotary element differently, instead of a rocker-like restoring element provided by a round spring restoring element to provide instead of two-line contacts several conductor contacts, which are different depending on Rotationsauslenkung of the rotary element interconnected, etc., etc.

On the basis of the present invention, it is explained how the detection of a switching state or a potentiometer rotational direction via resistors, as in the present case, takes place via at least two different resistors. This arrangement permits a program switch to be detected in the event of a short circuit between the two strip conductors in front of the potentiometer, which decides how and in what manner a manipulated variable is changed or set. In addition, it is of course possible to effect on the short circuit and on the example, both resistors further functions in the same arrangement, such as the battery cover, such as an additional program circuit. In addition, it is again possible to connect an additional menu circuit with the two interconnects in order to respectively determine which manipulated variable is changed or set. By connecting potentiometer and program switch via two contacts and arranged, for example, in the battery cover, the number of items to be produced for electronic micro devices, such as hearing aids, can be significantly reduced.

In addition, the switching element proposed according to the invention is simple and safe to operate, whereby faulty circuits or incorrect manipulations can be reduced or eliminated. Yet another advantage of the switching element proposed according to the invention, in particular in conjunction with the aforementioned battery lid, results in that different operating elements can be arranged on one and the same hearing device. The equipment of the controls can thus be done only by the acoustician, and thus the acoustician can provide his customers various options available without the hearing aid in the laboratory needs to be rebuilt. This causes neither costs nor waiting for the customer.

Another advantage is the use of space on the battery compartment for the controls. This allows a freer placement of the microphones and the hearing aid can be built accordingly small.

Claims

claims

1. Schaltelerαent (1) for actuating a setting on an electronic micro device, such as a hearing aid, characterized by a at least peripherally three contact points (9) exhibiting rotary member (7), which contact points are electrically conductively connected to each other, one connected to the rotary member spring-mounted Resetting element (21) and at least two electrical conductor contacts (3, 5), which are switchable by rotating the rotary element via the contact points in electrically conductive contact.

2. Switching element according to claim 1, characterized in that an at least dreisternförmiges leg (9) exhibiting rotating element (7) is provided, wherein the legs are formed electrically conductive and are conductively connected to each other.

3. Switching element according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that connected to at least one of

Conductor contacts a resistance element (13, 15) is provided, such that when connecting the two conductor contacts (3, 5) by means of the rotary element or the contact points of the electrical contact via the resistance element (13, 15) is guided.

4. Switching element according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least two resistance elements (13, 15) are provided, and that by means of Drehelerαentes or via the contact points (9) the two conductor contacts in two different positions are electrically connected to each other, such that in one position, the electrical connection is guided via the one resistance element, and in the other position on the other or second resistance element ,

5. Switching element according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the restoring element (21) is mounted resiliently such that the rotary member is driven in non-operation in a position not connecting the conductor contacts.

6. Switching element according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the restoring element is a reciprocating rocker, which is ever mounted in the region of the two ends by means of a spring.

7. Switching element according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the rotary element, designed as a star-shaped turnstile is mounted resiliently in the axial direction, such that in the spring direction depressed position of the rotary element or turnstile counteracts a rotational movement, a higher mechanical resistance than with unloaded suspension.

8. Switching element according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the two conductor contacts are connected to a menu circuit, by means of which the adjustment variable to be influenced can be determined, as in the case of a hearing aid volume, height / depth balance, ambient noise On / off, etc.

9. Switching element according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it is arranged in the sense of a potentiometer in the region of a battery compartment of the electronic microdevice, in particular in the battery area of a hearing aid.

10. Hearing aid with a switching element or a potentiometer according to one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A method for operating a switching element according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a means of a reset element connected rotary element, peripherally having at least three contact points, which are electrically conductively connected to each other, is rotated from a rest position to a first operating position, so that two conductor contacts are connectable to each other, wherein in a first position, the connection via a first resistance element, and by moving the rotary member into a second position, the two conductor contacts are electrically conductively connected via a further resistance element to functionally depending on the detected resistance element an adjustment an electronic micro device to adjust.